At a glance: Aquino and Oplan Exodus

By: 10 years ago

President Benigno S. Aquino III and resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Alan Purisima. Malacañang Photo Bureau

President Benigno Aquino III exercised his prerogative to deal directly with Director Getulio Napeñas instead of Philippine National Police officer in charge Leonardo Espina, bypassing the chain of command.

The President gave the go-signal for Oplan Exodus after this was presented by Napeñas on Jan. 9 at the Malacañang.

The President allowed Alan Purisima to take part in the execution of Oplan Exodus despite his suspension.

Napeñas expected only 10 casualties.

The President was silent on time on target when informed about it.

Purisima gave the President inaccurate information on the ground situation.

Artillery support from Army’s 6th Infantry Division was not delivered fast enough.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines sent infantry and mechanized units, but firing of white phosphorous artillery rounds came too late.

Napeñas’ “way-in/way-out, by foot, and night-only’’ strategy was high risk.

The US supported the operation by providing technical support.

Four Special Action Force commandos were shot at close range while still alive.

Overwhelming enemy strength caused troops to run out of ammo.

Several 40-mm grenades for M203 grenade launchers were defective and some radios were unreliable.